Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Explore the treasures of Germany and France and visit world-famous Christmas Markets on this 7-night full-board River Rhine cruise from Amsterdam. Includes return flights from the UK, shore excursions and complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner

Enjoy a unique Christmas experience as you cruise along the beautiful River Rhine past fairy-tale castles and charming villages to the historic cities and fascinating towns of Germany and France. Begin this Christmas cruise in the picturesque city of Amsterdam before heading to the historic German city of Cologne to see the magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral and visit the delightful Christmas markets.

Explore the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz and visit the majestic visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Journey through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and admire the awe-inspiring scenery as you pass beautiful hill-top castles including the Pfalzgrafenstein Castle as well as countless vineyards. Then discover the the medieval town of Heidelberg or enjoy a hike to Heidelberg Hill.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Grande Île in Strasbourg before spending time at leisure enjoying the festivities of Strasbourg's Christmas Markets which are amongst the oldest in Europe. Enjoy a visit to a typical Black forest village in Breisach or go for a hike through some Black Forest trails before cruising to Basel where the fantastic cruise will come to an end.

EM182 Operated by Emerald Waterways

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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Day 1 - UK - Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Fly from a regional airport in the UK to the vibrant city of Amsterdam and embark your Emerald Waterways ship. (D)

Day 2 - Amsterdam

This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s canal or a guided bike tour. Then sail through Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. This evening, enjoy a gala dinner hosted by the Captain. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)

Cruise along the River Rhine to the historic city of Cologne which is famous for its World-Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour of the city before spending time at leisure exploring the Christmas Markets. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Koblenz

Arrive at the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Visit the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress during a guided tour of the town before sailing through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Photo opportunities are at every bend as you pass countless castles and vineyards as well as the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Mannheim - Heidelberg

Continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. There you will have a chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg including the impressive castle which overlooks the town, or take part on an active hike to Heidelberg Hill. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Kehl - Strasbourg (France)

Arrive Kehl and take a coach across the river to Strasbourg. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Grande Île, the historical city centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks. Spend your free time exploring Strasbourg's Christmas markets which are one of the oldest in Europe. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Breisach (Germany)

Today you will visit a typical black forest village, full of charm and many Cuckoo clocks and other German specialities. Alternatively, take part on a guided hike through some of the black forest trails. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Basel (Switzerland) - UK

Welcome to Switzerland and the Rhine–side town of Basel, the centre for Switzerland’s pharmaceutical industry. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. (B)

For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.

Price Includes

7-night full-board cruise on Emerald Waterways Star-Ship

Return flights from up to 15 UK regional airports

Overseas transfers

Guided excursions with English-speaking guide

Up to 3 EmeraldPLUS activities

Up to 2 EmeraldACTIVE activities

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board

Complimentary tea and coffee available at all times and complimentary bottled water in your cabin, restocked daily